Man accused of killing UNT student captured in Mexico

04:58 PM CDT on Tuesday, October 9, 2007



The Dallas Morning News



Ernesto Reyes A man accused of killing of a University of North Texas student was captured in Mexico on Tuesday, Carrollton police said.

U.S. and Mexican authorities took Ernesto Reyes, 20, into custody as he left a family member's house in the Mexican town of Celaya Guanajuato, approximately four hours northeast of Mexico City, Carrollton police said.

The burned body of Melanie Goodwin, 19, was discovered on Sept. 25 in the 3200 block of Keller Springs Road in Carrollton.

Mr. Reyes became a suspect in the death of Melanie Goodwin after investigators said he was believed to be the last person seen with Ms. Goodwin before her death.

A witness told police he was heard asking Ms. Goodwin for a ride at a convenience store in Denton. Mr. Reyes was seen on security cameras leaving the store with Ms. Goodwin in her red two-door 2002 Saturn, Carrollton police said.

Later that day, a surveillance camera at the TransTech offices on Keller Springs Road captured the image of a stocky man dragging a body from a vehicle and setting it on fire.

The Dallas County Medical Examiner said Ms. Goodwin died of multiple blunt force injuries.

U.S. authorities followed tips regarding Mr. Reyes in Oklahoma in Texas. U.S. and Mexican authorities also set up surveillance at several locations in Mexico, Carrollton police said.

A second man, Donovan Young, has been charged with tampering with evidence in the murder case. Mr. Young told police Mr. Reyes arrived at his apartment the early morning of Sept. 25 with Ms. Goodwin's body and was seeking help to dispose it, according to an arrest affidavit.

Mr. Young said he gave Mr. Reyes money to buy gasoline and a gas can. He said he later drove Mr. Reyes to several locations to help him get money.

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